A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Pontevedra Spain

Then Pontevedra is your underrated Galician crush waiting to happen. This laid-back coastal beauty serves up everything you didn’t know you needed: medieval streets made for wandering, plazas that demand a café con leche break, and wine tasting tours in Galicia that’ll make you wonder why you ever doubted Albariño. It’s got Camino vibes without the blisters, history without the crowds, and seafood so fresh it waves at you. From old town strolls to riverside escapes, Pontevedra is proof that the best travel stories don’t always start with a capital city.

What are the best things to do in Pontevedra?

Feel the atmosphere of the old streets

Pontevedra’s old town is one of Spain’s best-preserved historical centers, and it’s made to be explored on foot. No cars, no stress, just you, winding cobbled lanes, and a time machine of Gothic stone buildings and baroque balconies. Start in Praza da Leña or Praza da Verdura, where the vibe is always buzzing with locals, street performers, and clinking glasses of lcoal wine. This is where Pontevedra shows off its real charm: tiny taverns tucked under arcades, seafood so fresh it tastes like the ocean, and a warm, walkable atmosphere that turns every corner into a photo op.

Visit the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin

This iconic church, shaped like a scallop shell, is one of Pontevedra’s most symbolic stops along the Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago. Just steps from Praza da Ferrería, the Church of La Peregrina is dedicated to the Virgin who watches over pilgrims on their journey to Santiago. Its baroque façade, elegant curves, and colorful stained glass windows capture the spirit of Galician devotion in a uniquely beautiful way. Whether you’re walking the Camino or just here for a cultural wander, this spot is an absolute must-see.

Take in the sunshine at the nearby beaches

Beyond the city buzz, sandy stretches like Praia de Cabeceira and Praia de Lourido offer a breezy coastal escape. These golden beaches, set along the Ría de Pontevedra, are only a short drive away and deliver the full Spanish experience, think soft sand, crisp Atlantic waters, and seafood fresh off the boat.

Delve into history at the Convent of San Francisco

Right next to Praza da Ferrería, the Convent of San Francisco is your quiet escape in the middle of Pontevedra’s lively center. Dating back to the 13th century, this Gothic gem comes with soaring vaulted ceilings, peaceful gardens, and a history thick with legend, it’s even said to be the final resting place of the city’s founder. Step inside for a moment of calm, admire the ancient stonework, and feel centuries of stories settle in around you. It’s a must-stop for history buffs and serenity seekers alike.

Sip on Albariño at Pazo de Mugartegui

Set in one of Pontevedra’s prettiest plazas, the Pazo de Mugartegui is a treat for wine lovers and architecture fans alike. This elegant 18th-century mansion offers guided tastings of Rías Baixas wines, with Albariño as the star of the show. Sip crisp whites in the charming stone courtyard, soak up stories of noble families, and get a taste, literally, of local heritage. It’s the perfect stop if you’re into wine tourism with a side of history.

What are the best things to do around Pontevedra?

Explore the vineyards of Galicia

Just a short hop from Pontevedra, the vineyards of Galicia open up like a dream for wine lovers. Head 40 minutes out to Rías Baixas, ground zero for Albariño, the crisp white wine that’s become a Galician icon. Here, vines stretch toward the Atlantic, soaking up salty breezes that give the grapes their signature zing. On a wine tasting tour through the region, you’ll visit charming family-run bodegas, hear stories of Galician winemaking passed down through generations, and sip your way through one of Spain’s most distinctive wine routes. Add in coastal views, rustic villages, and a table full of fresh seafood and local tapas, and you’ve got a perfect day exploring the vineyards of Galicia.

Santiago de Compostela: the spiritual and cultural heart of Galicia

Santiago de Compostela might be Galicia’s crown jewel, and lucky you, it’s only an hour from Pontevedra. Known worldwide as the final stop of the legendary Camino, this city is more than a pilgrimage destination. It’s where Gothic spires meet lively tapas bars, where medieval lanes echo with bagpipes, and where you can stumble into centuries of history between bites of pulpo a la gallega. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason, and the cathedral? A must-see. Pay a visit to the tomb of Saint James, soak up the atmosphere in Praza do Obradoiro, and see why this isn’t just a stop.

Make your path to the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela with our best tips!

Vigo: the coastal charm

Head just 25 minutes southwest of Pontevedra and you’ll land in Vigo, Galicia’s vibrant coastal rebel. This port city knows how to keep things interesting, think beach mornings at Playa de Samil, lazy lunches with fresh oysters, and golden-hour strolls through the charming Casco Vello (old town). You’ll find locals sipping Albariño, fishermen hauling in the day’s catch, and stylish shops lining Príncipe Street. Dive into the maritime past at the Museum of the Sea or just kick back and enjoy the estuary views. Vigo’s energy makes it a top-tier day trip, especially if your idea of adventure includes great wine, great waves, and a side of Galician grit.

Inside our team’s choices for the best things to do in Vigo Spain!

Combarro: the most photogenic fishing village

Just a 15-minute drive from Pontevedra, Combarro is a unique village perched along the Ria de Pontevedra. Famed for its hórreos (stone granaries on stilts), narrow alleys, and striking views of the estuary, it’s one of the best preserved traditional villages in Galicia. Combarro beautifully captures the spirit of rural culture and offers a tranquil atmosphere, making it perfect for a peaceful stroll. Along the waterfront, visitors will find charming tapas bars and traditional restaurants that serve delicious octopus as food and local wines like Albariño. The stop is perfect for those exploring the surrounding area of Pontevedra.

Baiona: where the coastal fortresses and sea legends await

Trade city buzz for coastal charm with a quick 15-minute drive from Pontevedra to Combarro, one of Galicia’s most photogenic seaside villages. This place is pure postcard material, with hórreos (those quirky stone granaries on stilts) lining the waterfront like ancient sentinels. Wander through flower-framed alleys, snap shots of crumbling stone homes, and breathe in salty estuary air. It’s like stepping into a slower, simpler Galicia, and yes, it comes with wine. Settle in at a waterfront terrace for a plate of pulpo á feira (Galician-style octopus) and a glass of chilled Albariño.

Good to Know before visiting Pontevedra